If you own a business, manage a commercial property, or look after a strata building, you may be wondering how much commercial painting costs per square foot in Perth. The answer depends on several factors, including the size of the building, the condition of the walls, the type of paint, and how easy it is to access the work area.
Many websites provide different prices, making it difficult to know what to expect. In this guide, All Perth House Painters explains the average interior painting costs in Perth, what affects the price, and how to get the best value for your investment.
Commercial Painting Cost Per Square Foot in Perth
In Australia, painters usually charge per square metre (m²) instead of per square foot (ft²).
For reference:
- 1 square metre = 10.76 square feet
Here are the average commercial painting rates in Perth.
| Commercial Painting Service | Cost Per Square Metre | Approx. Cost Per Square Foot |
| Interior Commercial Painting | $35 – $60 | $3.25 – $5.57 |
| Exterior Commercial Painting | $40 – $70 | $3.72 – $6.50 |
| Specialised Coatings | $70 – $120 | $6.50 – $11.15 |
Note: These prices are general estimates. Every commercial property is different, so the final cost depends on your project requirements.
Why Commercial Painting Costs Vary
Commercial painting is more than simply applying paint to walls. Every building requires different preparation, materials, and equipment.
Here are the main factors that affect the cost.
1. Building Size
The larger the building, the more paint, labour, and time are required.
Commercial properties include:
- Office buildings
- Retail shops
- Shopping centres
- Restaurants
- Schools
- Warehouses
- Factories
- Medical centres
Large buildings often receive a slightly lower rate per square metre, but the overall project cost will naturally be higher.
2. Surface Condition
Before painting begins, the surface must be inspected.
Extra preparation may be required if there is:
- Peeling paint
- Water damage
- Cracks
- Rust
- Mould
- Damaged render
More preparation means more labour, which increases the total cost.
3. Surface Material
Different materials require different painting methods.
Common commercial surfaces include:
- Concrete
- Brick
- Plasterboard
- Metal cladding
- Timber
- Render
Some materials need special primers or coatings to achieve a long-lasting finish.
4. Building Height and Access
One of the biggest cost factors is how easy the building is to access.
Higher buildings often require:
- Scaffolding
- Boom lifts
- Elevated Work Platforms (EWPs)
- Safety equipment
These requirements increase labour time and equipment costs.
5. Type of Paint
Not every commercial building uses standard wall paint.
Depending on your business, you may need:
- Washable paint
- Low-VOC paint
- Fire-resistant coatings
- Anti-graffiti coatings
- Epoxy floor coatings
- Protective industrial coatings
Premium coatings cost more but usually last much longer.
6. Number of Coats
A professional commercial painting job usually includes:
- Surface preparation
- Primer
- Two finish coats
Some projects require additional coats, especially when changing from dark colours to light colours.
7. Working After Business Hours
Many businesses cannot stop operating during the day.
Commercial painters often work:
- Evenings
- Weekends
- Public holidays
- In stages
After-hours work helps avoid disrupting your business but may increase labour costs.
Interior vs Exterior Commercial Painting Costs
Interior Commercial Painting
Interior painting generally costs between $35 and $60 per square metre.
This includes spaces such as:
- Offices
- Reception areas
- Retail stores
- Restaurants
- Medical clinics
- Schools
Interior work is usually less expensive because there is no weather exposure and access is often easier.
Exterior Commercial Painting
Exterior commercial painting generally costs $40 to $70 per square metre.
Exterior projects often require additional work such as:
- Pressure washing
- Surface repairs
- Crack filling
- Weather-resistant primers
- UV-resistant paints
Working at height also increases labour and equipment costs.
Average Commercial Painting Costs by Property Type
Here are some general price ranges.
| Property Type | Estimated Cost |
| Small Office | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Retail Shop | $3,000 – $8,000 |
| Restaurant | $4,000 – $10,000 |
| Warehouse | $8,000 – $25,000+ |
| Multi-storey Office Building | Custom Quote |
| Strata Complex | Custom Quote |
These figures are estimates only. Every project is different.
What Should a Commercial Painting Quote Include?
A professional commercial painting quote should clearly explain what is included.
Look for:
- Site inspection
- Accurate measurements
- Surface preparation
- Primer
- Number of paint coats
- Paint brand
- Labour costs
- Equipment costs
- Scaffolding or lift hire
- Cleanup
- Insurance
- Warranty
A detailed quote helps avoid unexpected costs later.
How to Reduce Commercial Painting Costs
You can often reduce the overall cost by planning ahead.
Some useful tips include:
- Schedule painting during quieter business periods.
- Repair damaged walls before painting starts.
- Choose quality paint that lasts longer.
- Paint multiple areas at the same time.
- Request a detailed written quote.
- Compare experienced local painters rather than choosing the cheapest option.
The lowest quote is not always the best value if it uses lower-quality materials or skips important preparation.
Why Choose All Perth House Painters?
At All Perth House Painters, we provide professional commercial painting services across Perth for businesses of all sizes.
Our team paints:
- Office buildings
- Retail stores
- Shopping centres
- Warehouses
- Factories
- Schools
- Medical centres
- Restaurants
- Strata properties
We provide:
- Free onsite inspections
- Honest pricing
- Premium-quality paints
- Fully insured painters
- Professional workmanship
- Minimal disruption to your business
Whether you need a small office repainted or a large commercial building refreshed, our experienced team delivers reliable results that last.
Get a Free Commercial Painting Quote in Perth
If you’re looking for trusted commercial painters in Perth, All Perth House Painters is here to help.
We inspect your property, measure every area accurately, assess the surface condition, and provide a clear, no-obligation quote with no hidden costs.
Contact our friendly team today to book your free commercial painting quote anywhere in Perth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does commercial painting cost per square foot in Perth?
Commercial painting usually costs between $3.25 and $5.57 per square foot for interior projects and $3.72 to $6.50 per square foot for exterior painting. Prices vary depending on the size, surface condition, and access requirements.
Why do painters in Perth charge per square metre?
Australia uses the metric system, so professional painters calculate prices per square metre. This makes quotes more accurate and easier to compare.
Is commercial painting more expensive than residential painting?
Yes. Commercial painting often involves larger buildings, specialised coatings, safety requirements, and access equipment, which can increase the overall cost.
How long does a commercial painting project take?
The timeline depends on the size and complexity of the project. Small offices may take only a few days, while larger commercial buildings or strata properties can take several weeks.
What affects the cost of commercial painting the most?
The biggest factors include the building size, surface condition, type of paint, number of coats, access equipment, and whether work needs to be completed outside normal business hours.
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